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Speaking of Charles Ives, many, many, er, many decades ago I was required to watch a film in junior high school. I vaguely remember it was very busy and about industry and the advance of civilization. I clearly remember being completely taken with the music so I took note of the fact that it was by Charles Ives. Does anyone know what it might have been? I seem to remember it was orchestral and it suited the film.

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"I don't play accurately - anyone can play accurately - but I play with wonderful expression. As far as the piano is concerned, sentiment is my forte. I keep science for Life."

Speaking of Charles Ives, many, many, er, many decades ago I was required to watch a film in junior high school. I vaguely remember it was very busy and about industry and the advance of civilization. I clearly remember being completely taken with the music so I took note of the fact that it was by Charles Ives. Does anyone know what it might have been? I seem to remember it was orchestral and it suited the film.

I don't know when that was exactly, of course, but just guessing, I think it was at a time when there were relatively few recordings of Ives orchestral music (not that there is a great deal even now). Based on that idea, here is a little listening project that might work to help you find that piece: if you listened to his four numbered symphonies plus the "Holidays" symphony, and also the "Three Places in New England", the chances are pretty high that you'd come across the music for that film. If those aren't it, then try "Central Park in the Dark", "The Unanswered Question", and "Calcium Light Night". I imagine all of this is can be found on YouTube. Even if, in the end, you still couldn't identify the piece, you would have heard a lot of interesting music.

I just heard Marc-Andre Hamelin perform Ives' Piano Sonata #2 Concord, Mass in Wigmore Hall about a week ago. It was incredible. Loved the thunderous Hawthorne and magical yet tendor ending with a hint of wilderness. I just don't have enough words to describe. It was my first time listening to Ives and first time hearing Hamelin perform. I consider myself quite lucky.

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Solo - Rachmaninoff Elegie Op 3 #1, Schumann Op 12 Warum, Grillen and a few short pieces by various composersCollaboration - Concerto in C for Oboe and orchestra attributed to Haydn edited by Evelyn Rosewell and some duets

I just heard Marc-Andre Hamelin perform Ives' Piano Sonata #2 Concord, Mass in Wigmore Hall about a week ago. It was incredible. Loved the thunderous Hawthorne and magical yet tendor ending with a hint of wilderness. I just don't have enough words to describe. It was my first time listening to Ives and first time hearing Hamelin perform. I consider myself quite lucky.

You should consider getting Jeremy Denk's recording, too, if you listen to recordings.